Sailing in the Seychelles is not a recent phenomenon. Starting from as far back as the 9th century when Arab sailors pioneered the exploration of Eastern Africa’s coast, the Seychelles’ waters have over the centuries played host to sailors from different parts of the world. Polynesians, Phoenicians, Chinese, Indians and Arabs are just some of the nationalities that navigate the archipelago often leaving nothing but temporary footprints in the beautiful beach sands.
Staying with its reputation as a sailing haven, the Seychelles today welcomes a new set of sailors keen to enjoy its breathtaking beauty. Each of the 115 islands that form the Seychelles archipelago has unique features that set it apart. The Seychelles islands are the only granite islands in the world that are in the middle of an ocean.
The 1.3 million square kilometres of ocean waters that fall within the Seychelles maritime boundary boast excellent sea conditions all year round. Much of the Seychelles falls outside the Indian Ocean’s cyclone belt. Sailing allows you to quickly some of the most remote yet pristine parts of the archipelago.
Cruising is limited to the Seychelles Inner Islands which includes Silhouette, Praslin, La Digue, the main island Mahe and more than 20 other smaller islands. Current laws require that any yachts venturing into the Outer Islands be of a certain minimum specification – the Over-60-Miles class. In addition, the yachts must be under the control of a Captain as well as a substantial ship crew.
